There has been a lot in the news lately about illnesses like Ebola and media coverage has included stories about people traveling to and from other countries and possibly infecting others as they travel by plane. As we enter the busy holiday season when millions of people travel across the country and across the world, one major concern is keeping children and ourselves safe from dangerous illnesses while we are traveling. We may feel safe in our homes and in our neighborhoods, but traveling to and from busy airports or taking public trains and buses might cause worry and stress. This stress only increases when children are in tow.
So what can we do to ensure our children are protected from dangerous illnesses while traveling? There have been many reports that have come out in the last few weeks that point to the low risk of transmission of diseases like Ebola, so bottom line, try not to stress too much but here are a few things parents can do to feel more confident about traveling with their children.
Strengthen your immune system. Eating right isn’t always a priority as a big trip approaches but making sure your kids are eating vitamin enriched foods, taking their vitamins and drinking plenty of water, can help them with staying healthy during the upcoming trip.
Understand how diseases spread. With Ebola, direct, physical contact with the bodily fluids (vomit, feces, urine, blood, semen, etc.) of people who have been infected with or died from the Ebola virus is required to contract the illness. This being said, stay six feet away from people who are coughing, sneezing or simply look sick.
Wash or sanitize your hands after touching things like door handles, dining tables, ATMs, security line bins and handrails. Make sure to include fingertips and around any jewelry you or your kids might be wearing.
Wear socks through the security line.
Point the overhead air vent down so the current runs vertically across your face. This can help divert airborne particles away from your nose, eyes, and mouth.
Use disinfectant wipes on your seat tray and armrests.
Be sure to stay up to date on the latest information about risk factors, signs and symptoms of current viruses and illnesses.
Symptoms of some of the dangerous illnesses out there right now include fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising. As always, if you are concerned about the symptoms your child is experiencing, please bring them in to see an pediatric expert at AllKids Urgent Care. Click here for information on when to visit a pediatric urgent care. All kids deserve the best! Travel safe this holiday season!
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